5 Bands You Should Know: May

A post by "Chris Stratton" To see more posts click here

Over the weekend I spent a lot of time thinking about a subject for my new post. I came up with several topics that I like a lot (and will try), but this is the one that I wanted to do first. I consider myself someone who needs music like I need air in my lungs. I seek it out, and for the most part appreciate it in all of its forms (sorry country). It is always a joy to turn people onto music that I have enjoyed personally and have it affect them in their own special way. That being said, lately I’ve been gravitating toward more mellow and introspective music.

[Side note - the reason for this is not because I am old or don't like loud, hard music anymore or even that hard music is not thoughtful, far from it. I have found that while working or just walking through the city I tend to always put on something more mellow.]

So without further adieu I present five bands for your consideration.

The Arcade Fire.

7 members. 2 fantastic albums. This band is a fantastic mix of beautiful songwriting and a performance chemistry that only the truly great possess. The blend of haunting vocals and orchestration stays with you long after you take your headphones off. I could have picked at least 90% of the songs from their two albums to put here, but this is my personal favorite.

Explosions in the Sky.

I’m guessing that most of you have heard this band and don’t even know it. Their music has been used in Olympic montages, a versus commercial, and as the soundtrack to the movie “Friday Night Lights”. Once in awhile, a band comes along that speaks to something inside of you, and that’s where explosions in the sky is special, there are no lyrics.

Vampire Weekend.

Because sometimes you just need fun music, I present Vampire Weekend. Some of you may recognize this song from the opening of one of my favorite movies from last year “Step Brothers”.

Pinback.

Pinback has been around forever and never really gotten the attention that they deserve. A super solid band with a ton of albums for you to dive into. If ever you’re having girl troubles I suggest you check out “Penelope”.

Interpol.

One of those voices that haunts you for days. Interpol has definitely gotten a lot more play in the U.S. after their last two albums. A rainy day band that can take you places you did not intend to go.

Bonus: Bloc Party

I love Bloc Party. I wanted to throw this extra video on here for you to consider because: a) it’s something rare in music these days, and b) I’m writing the column and I do what I want. Not many bands would allow themselves to be basically harassed while out on a night off and talked into an impromptu performance that people are filming. Even less bands would put forth such a genuine and honest performance that left everyone with their jaws on the floor.

……udothedishes